Microsoft Store Removing Arcade Instant Games on November 14

Microsoft’s Upcoming Removal of Instant Games

In a notable announcement in September 2023, Microsoft introduced the Instant Games feature as part of its Moment 4 update. This innovative feature allowed users to enjoy games without the burden of downloading them from the Microsoft Store. However, while the feature was unveiled in September, its rollout didn’t commence until February 2024, when it became accessible through a dedicated “Arcade”tab located beneath the “Gaming”section in the store.

Important Update: Removal of Arcade Instant Games

Recently, opening the “Arcade”tab revealed a crucial notification: Microsoft will officially discontinue the Instant Games feature on November 14, 2024. Following this date, users will no longer have the option to enjoy games instantly without first downloading them from the Microsoft Store.

In their announcement, Microsoft stated, “Starting from 14th November, 2024, Arcade will be removed from the Microsoft Store. You can continue to download your games, but instant play will no longer be available.”Users can find this important notification under the “Arcade”section’s description.

Features and User Experience

The Instant Games feature offered a seamless gaming experience. Players could simply navigate to the “Arcade”section, select a game, and click the “Play”button. The game would then launch in a new window, allowing for quick access without occupying storage space.

Despite its convenience, the Instant Games feature did not achieve the user engagement Microsoft anticipated. The low number of players could be a significant factor behind the company’s decision to eliminate this feature from the store.

What Lies Ahead for Players

If you have yet to experience the Instant Games, you still have the opportunity to enjoy them prior to the designated removal date. Although the games themselves will remain available, the ability to play them instantly without downloading will cease to exist post-removal. Moving forward, users will need to download games in order to play.

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